Army commander calls for localized peace talk

From the Philippine Information Agency (Feb 15): Army commander calls for localized peace talk

Third Infantry Division Commander MGen Jose Z. Mabanta Jr., in a press conference at Avenue Suites in Bacolod City, reiterated his call for localized peace talks.

“We call on everyone to help, the media especially to help us get the message across. Even the La Castellana massacre, should not be a stumbling block for localized peace talks,” Mabanta urged local media present during the presscon.

Mabanta disclosed that prior to the La Castellana incident, the military had been receiving feelers from potential surrenderees that they will continue despite the incident.

The 302nd Brigade is currently in pursuit operations against the perpetrators and operations will be stepped up with the influx of intelligence reports.

According to Mabanta, the incident made the NPA all the more divisive and there are in-fighting among themselves.

“CPP-NPA right now is liable for this (La Castellan massacre) aside from the Comprehensive Agreement on the Respect of International Humanitarian Law (CARIHL) because it is the only document which has been signed by the Government of the Republic of the Philippines and the National Democratic Front signed two years ago. This is a blatant disrespect of the CARIHL,” Mabanta added.

Meanwhile, although the military is not allowed to provide escorts to politicians, Mabanta urged candidates to coordinate with the military should they need security in their campaign areas.

“For candidates who are victims or required by the NPA permit to campaign, coordinate with the military or the police and we will treat your concerns with utmost confidentiality because we know there are security risks involved,” Mabanta said.

http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=1031360911736